Well as of yet, Sasha has really not much to fear from the American ladies. Like last year, none of them have emerged as a clear leader. Just when we thought Mirai was back, her LP proved not much has changed. Caroline is coming off an injury and still dealing with many of the same issues as the past two seasons. Ashely has been good, but really dosen't have anything over sasha. Racheal has been unimpressive. Alissa has shown more fight, but that chance of her devlivering any more than 4 clean triples is HIGHLY doubtful. It will be rough for Sasha debuting against Yu-na her first time out, but I am confident that she will hold her own and really shine at Nationals.

"The injury has persisted" and "if she's able to skate" sounds pretty bad. I mean, this is an US-American newspaper about a US-female skater. Normally it's all "I am just out there to have fun", "I just want to do my best, nothing else matters" - and how often have we read positive-sounding articles about skaters, who withdrew 48 hours later. To me, it doesn't sound good.

It might not look good but Sasha has a guaranteed spot at Nationals based on being a reigning Olympic medalist.

This rule does not fit well with the nature of FS, especially that of the ladies field. Things change very quickly in the field, with younger crops always coming in and senior skaters having only a few years of their prime time. Additionally, ISU rules have changed dramatically in a couple of years. Four years are often one cycle of an era, with the skaters with their accomplishments look into retirement.

This rule does not fit well with the nature of FS, especially that of the ladies field. Things change very quickly in the field, with younger crops always coming in and senior skaters having only a few years of their prime time. Additionally, ISU rules have changed dramatically in a couple of years. Four years are often one cycle of an era, with the skaters with their accomplishments look into retirement.

Well, the only thing she gets out of her medal is that she is allowed to participate at U.S. nationals.

The alternative would be to make her compete in sectionals and regionals, taking a spot from some eager child whose greatest dream is some day to make it to nationals.

This rule does not fit well with the nature of FS, especially that of the ladies field. Things change very quickly in the field, with younger crops always coming in and senior skaters having only a few years of their prime time. Additionally, ISU rules have changed dramatically in a couple of years. Four years are often one cycle of an era, with the skaters with their accomplishments look into retirement.

You have good points - but if this was Michelle returning (in the proper time frame) with her bronze medal not as many would be complaining.

Is it the end of the world that Sasha is only a "Silver medalist?"

She deserves some credit even if she did fall and "play Santa" in Torino

I seem to recall Miss Kwan sitting down at SLC and that's just the way it goes sometimes.

After seeing the American ladies this season I hope more than ever Sasha will return. If nothing else, simply because her skating is so lovely - but I also suspect she is still better then any of our current ladies.

In a very recent interview, Sasha's coach Arutunian said she was still suffering pain from her tendonitis. There is the definite possibility that Sasha will not be at Skate America, or if she does go, that she will have severe problems with her jumps.